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The radiant heart bearing a crown of thorns symbolizing sorrow, joy, humanity, understanding, love and devotion is found throughout the folk art of Mexico. This mid-to-late 19th century lithograph depicts the flaming heart exposed at the center of Christ's chest as his blood/wine flows down to the mouths of two thirsty lambs.
The nicho's original lunette and foliate wings have been lost and were replaced by a simple, scalloped lunette within the last 50 years. It crowns the original segmented glass and tin frame with combed, reverse-painting technique known as "peinado", which is backed with colored paper. The glass panels, crazed in places are the original float, bubbled glazing typical of the period.
The condition of the piece is a testament to its difficult history, probably having been passed through successive generations of a rural household. Nevertheless, it is charming and has an overall character which would be difficult to replicate.
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